Title of Post: Head of Social Sciences
Salary Grade: MPS/UPS + TLR 2c (£8,279)
Start Date: September 2025
At Fearnhill we know that great leaders make a real difference to the life chances of young people. We are committed to creating the best working conditions for our teachers so that they love their work and, as a result, have a positive impact on all our students.
As the number of students on roll increase – especially in the sixth form – we are seeking an ambitious and inspiring teacher to lead our Social Sciences department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone ready to shape the vision and strategic direction of a growing and dynamic faculty. Subjects currently within the faculty include Psychology and Criminology, with potential for the addition of new subjects. The role includes overseeing curriculum design, assessment and outcomes, and supporting staff in delivering engaging and challenging lessons at both GCSE and A level.
As our Sixth Form continues to expand, we are particularly interested in applicants with experience teaching Social Sciences at Key Stage 5 and a passion for post-16 education. This is an ideal next step for someone aspiring to senior leadership in the future.
At Fearnhill, we exist to develop successful Fearnhill Students by removing barriers to progress and ensuring high achievement for all. To find out more about our values and approach, read our leadership values statement here.
Fearnhill has undergone rapid and sustained improvement over the last five years. This is especially true in our academic outcomes, with our Sixth Form now firmly established and thriving. The school’s contextual value added has been significantly above average for the last two years.
Fearnhill is a great place to work because we value every member of our school community. Relationships between students and staff are strong and supportive, and the school is typically a happy and purposeful environment. We actively work to reduce teacher workload, so our staff have the time and energy to focus on what matters most – teaching and learning. This includes:
- No written marking
- No written reports
- Fewer data drops
- No formal lesson observations
- No appraisal targets
- Centralised detentions
- Ample parking
We are also proud of our clear and effective approach to behaviour. High expectations are consistently upheld, and as a result, learning is rarely disrupted and teachers are respected.
Finally, we place a strong emphasis on professional development. Our shared understanding of teaching and learning underpins everything we do, and we support our staff to grow in expertise and confidence at every stage of their career.
We would love to welcome you for an informal visit if you are interested in this role. Please email admin@fearnhill.herts.sch.uk to arrange visit. Alternatively, please complete the application form available on our website (at the bottom of the page).
Closing date: Tuesday 6th May 12pm
We reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate.
Fearnhill School is committed to recruiting with care and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people; we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and check against the ISA barred list for children, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.
Head of Social Sciences Job Description